“The reindeer are ready to go, the elves are put to work, it’s my time of the year,” said Kris Kringle.

Gift ideas from Mr. Claus

This year Father Christmas says one of the hot gifts is the popular computer game Minecraft and he also mentioned a surprising comeback.

“Pokemon are really big this year,” he said.

Don’t count on Pere Noel for one surprising comeback this holiday season however.

“I don’t have the power to bring hockey back,” he said. “I would make a lot of grown men happy if I could.”

The big man himself during last year’s parade

This year’s parade

Saint Nicholas will make his first public appearance of the season at the Rogers Santa Claus Parade this Sunday at 1 p.m. in front as many as 300,000 spirited Vancouverites. The parade will start down West Georgia Street and finish at Howe and Davie, and he’ll be hanging out at the Robson Ice Rink for photo opportunities between 3 and 5 p.m.

Lana Loyer, general manager of the Kids Market on Granville Island, is also busy getting ready for Santy’s arrival, on Dec. 1.

“We’re all decorated,” she said, adding the last step is to prepare Papa Noel’s workshop for the big day.

Jolly old Saint Nick will be there almost every day to take photos and compare lists.

“The kids of have been really good this year, we’ve got the elves on 12-hour shifts,” Sinterklaas remarked.

Kids Market is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The big man will be there most days from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.